Wide receiver Sammy Watkins runs after making a catch during the Clemson football pro day on Thursday in Clemson, S.C. / Associated Press

Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

General manager Martin Mayhew’s attendance at Clemson’s pro day last week to watch receiver Sammy Watkins might have spoken volumes about the Lions’ interest and intentions in the draft.

Nearly every NFL team had a representative on hand to watch the top receiver in the draft, but Mayhew and coach Jim Caldwell were among the highest profile from the personnel decision-makers.

The Lions likely would have to trade up from their No. 10 spot to draft Watkins. The Lions have only six picks in the draft, but Mayhew hasn’t been shy about trading up in the past. And with one coaching regime already fired, he might need to be extra aggressive to land a difference-maker with his first pick.

That was the big reason the Lions did not draft Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner last year with the fifth overall pick. He wasn’t considered an immediate, impact starter, and he wasn’t. Milliner was drafted ninth by the New York Jets, started the season, but was benched three times before eventually playing well in December.

The Lions have a major gap at receiver after Calvin Johnson. In the secondary, they have talent and sizable investments in Chris Houston, Glover Quin and Darius Slay, along with younger prospects Bill Bentley and Jonte Green.

The start of free agency this week will shed more light on the Lions’ draft plans. The Lions have struggled to land good receivers in free agency, but they have done very well finding help in the secondary.